Healed Hearts - Ezekiel 36:8-28

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. (v. 26)

As World War II ended, the devastation wrought on both individuals and nations was so great it seemed the wound was irreparable. Frank Buchmann, Lutheran missionary-evangelist, believed otherwise. Forming an organisation built on trust and forgiveness, he brought German and French leaders to a place of reconciliation where there had only been post-war hatred. In this act, the seeds that would become the European Union were sown.

Buchmann's vision was based on his personal spiritual awakening. Convicted by God after a falling out with associates, he wrote:  "I saw my resentments against those men standing out like tombstones in my heart. I asked God to change me and he told me to put things right with them."

Buchmann believed our calling as followers of Christ is not only to affect individual lives, but also to change the course of nations. He recognised that the missing factor in true reconciliation was a change in people's attitudes. "God alone can change human nature. The secret lies in that great forgotten truth, that when man listens, God speaks; when man obeys, God acts; when men change, nations change." A handful of Swiss, believing in Buchmann's vision for healing a Europe torn apart by war, bought Caux Palace, where people groups and nations continue to find reconciliation. Perhaps if we listened more carefully, were more obedient to what we hear, we would see more of God's action.

Prayer: Lord, give me big vision, based on great expectations of you, for the things you want to change in this world. Let me play a part in my sphere of influence to bring about transformation as you lead me by your Spirit. May I be wholly surrendered to you for your purposes.